Reflecting on the OBE, Gatland said: “It was a bit of a surprise really.

“It’s a massive honour. I’m absolutely over the moon.

“It’s great. I’m very proud and humbled really.

“I only found out a couple of weeks ago. I had to sit on it for a little while.

“I told my wife and that’s been it really. It’s been quite emotional. A bit of a rollercoaster.

“To receive something in the UK, for a Kiwi, is pretty special. I am absolutely thrilled.

“It’s nice to be recognised, but you are recognised not just for yourself.

“You have got to realise there are a heck of a lot of other people that have given me the opportunity to be recognised in terms of the other coaches and players I have been involved with and the support I have had from the Union and the people in Wales.

“It’s made the time I have been there really, really enjoyable and it’s very much home at the moment. It’s like a second New Zealand.”

Now Gatland is looking to cap his award in style, as Wales aim to claim just their second ever victory over South Africa in 28 attempts and the first away from home.

“A win would be the perfect way to top it off. It would be great,” said Gatland.

“That would be a massive achievement for us.

“We haven’t come here to make up the numbers. We feel we have trained well and we are going out there with the belief and confidence that we are good enough to win.

“We are a pretty experienced team. We know the challenge for us is to match South Africa physically. They are always strong at maul-time and driving line outs. We have a reasonably settled team with a bit of experience. We are looking forward to a good match.

“We need to get ourselves in the arm wrestle and we need to be patient as well and just be accurate. It’s a reasonably simple game and if we can compete with South Africa physically and keep our patience I think we have got a good chance.”

Wales received a welcome pre-match boost ahead of today’s opening Test, with Lions winger George North being passed fit to play after suffering from a virus this week.

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